I write my column this week having had a full night’s undisturbed sleep.

I’m fresh faced and was up at 6am for a run. I know I’m mad especially as it was so foggy I could barely see in front of me, but I’ve foolishly signed up for The Great North Run and need to get fit quickly.

My little ones are great sleepers so I tend to get up at six to try and get lots done as there are just not enough hours in the day.

I make lunches, prep work and sometimes catch up on emails because when the clock chimes seven; it’s time to start the routine as the children are up and on a mission.

My husband says routine is my favourite word and although he teases me about it, he is now converted.

Routine equals happy babies and the chance to have a nice long kip.

Then mix into the equation a bit of patience and it all comes good with a few odd nights along the way.

This week we’ve seen a tooth rear its head and my son has his first pet spider.

The tooth is doing well and growing and the pet spider, which was huge, stayed with us for a day, fitting into The Underwood routine without a fuss.

I had to give it food, change its nappy and even let it sleep with muslin over the box he was stored in (as if I don’t have enough to do!).

The spider has now been set free, but what was so endearing was the way my son wanted to care for the little creepy creature.

Michael and I did have a laugh, because if it was down to us we probably would have just chucked it out of the window.

How times have changed!